Turmeric :
Many traditional cultures have always known that if used properly, food can be used as medicine. For example, Chinese cuisine and East Indian cuisine are full of sacred spices, which are not only delicious but also nutritious. It is also good for common diseases. In addition, current science shows that the same spice can prevent many chronic diseases. And may be some types of cancer.
Turmeric, also known as coumarin, is widely used in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used to treat inflammation and swelling for centuries. It has been combined with East Indian cuisine and has become the staple food of sauces and spices in the region. Its rich, salty and very spicy taste is still very popular in Western culture today. Western medicine has recently begun to study this yellow spice.
Turmeric and arthritis
Turmeric contains curcumin and curcumin. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory phytochemical. It is naturally present in the body as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which can inhibit the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation and swelling.
Indian researchers have found that turmeric can relieve joint pain and swelling in patients with arthritis. The same is true for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have no side effects such as abdominal bleeding or abdominal pain. (Ulceration, decrease in white blood cell count, bleeding from the intestines). Curcumin does not cause toxicity.
Clinical studies have shown that curcumin also has a very powerful antioxidant effect.As an antioxidant, curcumin neutralizes free radicals. Chemical substances that can spread throughout the body and cause serious damage to healthy cells and cell membranes.
This is important in many diseases, such as arthritis, where free radicals can cause painful inflammation of the joints and may damage the joints. Turmeric combines antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which is why many patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience relief when they regularly use this spice.
In a recent study of rheumatoid arthritis patients.. Compared with phenylbutazone, curcumin produced a relative improvement in reducing the duration of morning stiffness. Increase walking time and lower blood pressure.
Turmeric and cholesterol
Curcumin can prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. This is because oxidized cholesterol can damage blood vessels and accumulate in plaques, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Preventing the oxidation of new cholesterol can help slow the progression of atherosclerosis and disease. Heart disease, diabetes. Turmeric is also a good source of vitamin B6, which is necessary to prevent high homocysteine levels.
The high level of homocysteine, which directly destroys the blood vessel wall, is considered to be the main risk factor for blood vessel damage. Atherosclerosis and heart disease, and high intake of vitamin B6 is related to reducing the risk of heart disease.
In a study published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, when 10 healthy volunteers consumed 500 mg of curcumin daily for 7 days, not only did their blood cholesterol levels drop, but their blood cholesterol levels also dropped. A decrease of 33%, and total cholesterol decreased by 33%, a decrease of 11.63%, and your HDL (good cholesterol) increased by 29%! (Sony KB, Cutter R).
Turmeric and Neurodegenerative Disease
There is increasing evidence that turmeric can prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological studies have shown that among the elderly Indians who consume turmeric as a common spice, the incidence of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease is very low.
At the same time, recent experimental studies have shown that curcumin can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in mice. Preliminary studies in rats also indicate that curcumin may prevent the progression of multiple sclerosis. Although it is not clear how it prevents degenerative diseases.
One theory is that it can prevent the production of IL-2, which is a protein that may play a key role in destroying myelin, which is used to prevent most cancers.
Turmeric and cancer
Epidemiological studies have linked the use of curcumin to lowering the incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Laboratory experiments show that curcumin can prevent tumor formation. Research from the University of Texas has shown that although breast cancer is present, curcumin may help slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs of mice.
Curcumin, a phytonutrient found in curry, turmeric and curcumin. The antioxidants in onions reduce the size and number of human colon precancerous lesions. According to the research published in the August 2006 issue of “Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology”,
A previous observational study of people who ate a lot of curry. As well as animal studies, it is strongly recommended that curcumin quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant found in various foods such as onions, green tea and red wine, has also been shown to inhibit the growth of colon and rectal cancer cells. Animal abnormalities.
Prostate Cancer The second leading cause of cancer death among American men. There are 500,000 new cases every year, which is rare among Indian men. Due to a diet rich in plant foods, the risk is lower.
Although eating curry, broccoli, cauliflower, and onions alone is not a suitable food for everyone, you can now get the benefits of turmeric by taking turmeric as a supplement. Since it is a condiment, it is safe to consume as a dietary supplement.
This condiment is delicious in healthy fried apples and healthy steamed broccoli and/or green beans and onions. Or use it in rich, low-calorie sauces. Try adding a little saffron and dried onions to the creamy yogurt.
Whether you choose to use turmeric as a supplement or as a supplement, it can add luster to your health!